Two of our favorite restaurants in Albany are blessedly run by the same family, and located within the same building, which makes the only dilemma which one to choose when dining with friends and family. On a recent week, we solved the problem by choosing both: a date-night dinner with Andy at dp: An American Brasserie, and a family dinner of celebration at Yono’s.
For our date-night dinner, we went with dp: An American Brasserie to keep things a little more casual and loose. There’s a vibrant bar scene there (and some impressive cocktail and cocktail options) along with standards such as burgers and mussels and an amazing octopus opener. I owed Andy a dinner for the magic he’s worked on the Mini Cooper – repairing a scratch with his knowledge and prowess, and managing to get a replacement windshield when the Mass Turnpike kicked up another stone to crack the previous replacement. He chose this restaurant because it’s the site of his favorite hamburger, and every dish he’s had there has been divine. I tried the chicken sandwich, and devoured all the fries that came with it. Many of Andy’s as well. I’m a fry guy.
For dinner with our parents, we booked a table at Yono’s, easily the nicest restaurant in Albany, and one where we have spent many a fancy dinner, for birthdays and anniversaries, and simply when celebrating the fact that we are still around to enjoy dinner at this stage of the world’s game. That alone is worthy of a dinner of appreciation and gratitude, and nowhere is that better celebrated than at Yono’s.
From a heavenly amuse-bouche to some lobster fried rice, the lead-ups to the main course are always just as delectable as the entrees themselves, and the ending is indeed a happy one. Whether you want something casual and fun in the front, or something more refined and leisurely in the back, dp: An American Brasserie and Yono’s offer both sides of a divine dining experience in downtown Albany.
